This is Fall?

Pretty doe

As Farah & I left from home this afternoon, a little later than I'd planned - we saw this beautiful doe at the top of the hill.

Her twins were nearby :-)

With weather as fine as we've been having - it's hard to Not be out & riding!  Things aren't getting done at home - again!  Without Ben to do the mowing, I managed to hit a rock with the mower, bent the blade & now it's out of commission until Butch can get it replaced :-)  Such a shame... :-)

Farah looks at the "Dead" Kubota

Once up on the power lines, there was a truck coming at us.  The driver stopped to say that they'd been contracted to mow under the power lines & had gotten the mower stuck.  Tomorrow they're coming back with the tow truck.

Deep ruts

I've seen this area mowed many times in the past & have to say that I have Never seen a mess like these guys are leaving!  They're going way overboard - into the deep wet soils & it a miracle that they didn't get stuck long before they did!

Our way home~

It was one of those days when I was just along for the ride.  Farah is going better & better every ride!  She will start one of her antics, then stop herself & move on out!  The two of us are working on our partnership - with the changes in my balance on the seat.  The differences are slight - but being in that sweet spot & in perfect rhythm is our goal :-)

Ms. Farah

She started chomping on her bit as we rounded the corner to where the tree had blocked our way last week.  It was too funny when we came to the spot, the tree was cut & her surprise was so obvious :-)

A dry view of Mt. Pilchuck

The logging to the east of Granite Falls has almost denuded the hills now - there's something about clear-cutting that just rubs me raw.  Another ruined view is driving east on Hwy 530 coming into Arlington - seeing that large mountain clear-cut from top to bottom.

The weatherman keeps telling us to enjoy this weather - as it will change, but at this point most of the rain that's been forecast has been a non-event.  I love this weather as much as anyone, but for the sake of Washington's Green - I hope we get the moisture that we so badly need.

MHC - Changes~

Lower Wetland~

Monday, Joyce & I met at the Morgan Horse Club to ride.  Joyce wanted to check out some of the lower trails - where we'd seen the beginning of changes a couple months ago when we were last here.

Vine Maples

The richness of the newly opened green leaves - were almost an assault to my senses, after the barren landscape of last weeks trip!  Soon, though - that changed!

Tiny guard dog~

As we came off the trail & out onto the logging roads, this area had been cleared & a track hoe was still on the top of the hill.  The small dog came barking our way - guarding the truck :-)

Joyce checking out another blocked trail~

Further on, we were following another old trail - but found it blocked.  Joyce walked in to see just how bad it was & it was bad enough that we didn't go on.

Stump farm

Back out on the roads, they're now covered in another full layer of heavy gravel, so any riding in this area will have to be slow - if at all - if you're here on a day the trucks are rolling...  We were surprised that they weren't!

On our way up~

 We headed on up to the higher loop & had a Wonderful run up the running hill - which Farah now recognizes the minute we make the turn!

Native Bleeding Heart

The day was cooling down, clouds rolling in as we came off the top.  Even with the wind, I managed this photo of the beautiful bleeding hearts!  I've tried so many times to get them started in our woods without success.  They really like the clear-cuts & organic matter.  We finished off our ride at almost 15 miles at a really decent pace too - since we'd made a few stops.  Another great ride~